Today we’d like to introduce you to Christi Williford.
Hi Christi, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Raised by an artist father and a scientist mother, my upbringing taught me the value of balance. As I pursued my degree in Graphic Design and Illustration from the University of Georgia and later cut my teeth in the edgy San Francisco arts scene, I realized my brain worked on two interconnected paths. I was able to be both an artist and an executor, providing outstanding design and shrewd strategy to my clients.
With more than 20 years of communication design and brand strategy experience under my belt, I walk the talk. Having worked for global giants and solopreneurs, big businesses and tiny nonprofits, I bring an impressive level of experience to bear on every project I tackle. I have worked as an art director and senior designer for companies including Julep Beauty, Inc., Airborne Express, Starbucks, and Wunderman, Seattle. My freelance clients have included Talking Rain, Microsoft, and DHL.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not always been a smooth road and there have been struggles. I once had a client to work with me throughout the entire branding process, all the way to finished brand and website, only to tell me afterward that this brand was not her. After some ruminating and hindsight (and loss of income), I realized that this type of client did know their “Why” to begin with, which is crucial to birthing your brand as a successful business.
Early on in my entrepreneurial career, I would give clients several options for a logo, with many color choices that I thought they would like. The problem with that became that the client couldn’t decide! I discovered early on that every decision you make in your brand (every color, font, symbol, word) needs to have meaning that aligns with YOUR UNIQUE brand. That’s when my brand strategy process was born.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am President and Creative Director of Elemental Studio LLC (www.elementalstudio.com). I help purpose-driven startups, mergers/acquisitions, and growing businesses cultivate an authentic, resonant and strategic brand. Based in science, my process is highly intentional and wildly creative. I have helped businesses nationwide solidify their identity and messaging, increase employee and client brand loyalty, and boost their marketing and sales.
What I am known for and what my tagline is: Building Bewitching Brands.
What are your plans for the future?
My future plans consist of building an online marketing school for entrepreneurs and marketing professionals. I will provide a series of courses to equip them with some basic marketing tools that help create irresistible website headlines, foster more curiosity on your website, bring more clarity and confidence to your messaging. This should be launched by the Spring of 2023.
Pricing:
- 30-minute Discovery Call – Free
Contact Info:
- Website: https://elementalstudio.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elemental_studio_mn/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elementalstudiomn
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christi-williford-95160/
Image Credits
Photos by https://angeladivinephotography.com
